Navigenics is pleased to announce the acquisition of a clinical testing facility for our genetic testing services. I’d like to share the details about this exciting opportunity, as described in a news release issued today:
Navigenics, a leading personal genomics testing company, announced today the acquisition of the Affymetrix Clinical Services Laboratory, a CLIA-certified testing facility that provides molecular genome scanning using the Affymetrix GeneChip® microarray platform. With the purchase of this testing facility, Navigenics can now offer fully integrated genome screening and analysis under one roof.
“Acquiring our own clinical laboratory gives Navigenics the flexibility and capacity to better respond to the growing demand for our genome testing services,” said Navigenics chief medical officer Vance Vanier, MD. “The unique features and benefits of Affymetrix microarray processing technologies have been a critical component of our quest to make personalized health and wellness information accessible to the public, and we will continue to utilize its advanced genotyping technology at the Navigenics-managed lab. Affymetrix built a world-class testing facility, which we believe will now provide unique value to our company, our customers and our strategic partners.”
The move to acquire in-house screening capabilities was driven in large part by a growing interest in Navigenics’ genome testing services, through increased online sales to consumers and physicians as well as expanding enrollment in clinical study programs with partners such as Scripps Translational Science Institute and MDVIP.
The newly renamed Navigenics Laboratory, which is based in West Sacramento, currently provides DNA scanning for a number of other Affymetrix customers as well as Navigenics’ genome testing services. With the transition in management from Affymetrix to Navigenics following this asset purchase, many of these clients have continued to be supported by the lab. Likewise, many of the lab personnel have become employees of Navigenics.